9 INSANE Fall Hikes in Washington

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails in Washington. With cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal season for hiking.

You’ll find peaceful walks through colorful forests and challenging treks with rewarding views—trust us, Washington has cool fall hikes to last you ages. These are our favorites!

1. Cowiche Canyon Trails

Distance: 5.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 285 ft

Cowiche Canyon Trails is a beautiful hike through a rocky canyon with vibrant fall colors.

There are different trails, all well-marked, but the main canyon trail is our favorite.

You’ll pass by unique geological formations and the cool Cowiche Creek. Fall is especially gorgeous, with the changing leaves adding color to the scenery.
READ MORE: Cowiche Canyon Trails

2. Chain Lakes Loop

Distance: 6.2 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1700 ft

Chain Lakes Loop in the North Cascades has breathtaking views of alpine lakes and rugged mountains for miles.

The trail takes you through lush meadows, vibrant with fall colors, and provides stunning vistas of Mount Shuksan.

It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the picturesque scenery makes it worthwhile. Fall is the perfect time to visit, with crisp air and fewer bugs.
READ MORE: Chain Lakes Loop

3. Naches Peak Loop Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Naches Peak Loop Trail is a favorite fall hike in Washington because it’s pretty easy and has stunning views. The trail circles Naches Peak, offering panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier and lush meadows ablaze with fall colors!

This is one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park! Depending on your mood, you can shorten or lengthen the hike.

Take the Dewey Lake detour to extend the adventure, or take an easy stroll along Tipsoo Lake, where you’ll see Rainier reflecting in the lake!
READ MORE: Naches Peak Loop Trail

4. Lake Valhalla Trail and Mount McCausland

Distance: 6+ miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Elevation Gain: 1300+ ft

Lake Valhalla Trail is a moderate hike that rewards you with stunning alpine lake views with, you guessed it, epic fall colors on display.

The trail winds through dense forests, opening up to Lake Valhalla, surrounded by peaks and beauty. This is our favorite fall hike in Washington!

Tackle Mount McCausland for a short but challenging detour. You’ll get views of the lake from above, all the peaks, find even more fall foliage, and maybe even some huckleberries if you’re as lucky as we were!
READ MORE: Lake Valhalla Trail

5. Colchuck Lake Trail

Distance: 8.7 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2280 ft

Colchuck Lake Trail is a challenging hike with a spectacular payoff. The trail ascends steeply through forests and rocky terrain, leading to the stunningly blue Colchuck Lake.

Surrounded by jagged peaks and golden larches, it’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the fall. Be prepared for a tough hike, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.

You can also add on to this trail and detour to Lake Stewart, or if you can manage to grab a permit, hike the whole way through The Enchantments!
READ MORE: Colchuck Lake Trail

6. Skyline Loop Trail

Distance: 5.7 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1700 ft

Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park offers some of the best views of the mountain and its surroundings.

The trail takes you through fiery meadows with fall colors, and the views of Mount Rainier are simply breathtaking as the backdrop.

It’s a relatively difficult hike, but the vistas and fall colors will make you quickly forget your burning calves.
READ MORE: Skyline Loop Trail

7. Mount Storm King Hike

Distance: 4 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2065 ft

Mount Storm King Hike offers one of the most rewarding views in the Olympic National Park. The steep and challenging trail takes you through dense forests to a rocky summit with panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint-hearted as there’s a sketchy rope section to get to the very narrow and small summit, but the spectacular views at the top are worth every step.
READ MORE: Mount Storm King Hike

8. Discovery Park in Seattle

Distance: 4.3 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 480 ft

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering a variety of trails with stunning views of Puget Sound, forests, and meadows.

The easy loop trail is perfect for a leisurely fall hike, with plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a great place for a quick escape from the city without venturing too far from home.

The park also features historical sites and a lighthouse, adding to its charm.
READ MORE: Best Parks in Seattle

9. Lottie Point to Rosario Head at Deception Pass State Park

Distance: 4.8 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 600 ft

Deception Pass State Park offers a variety of trails with stunning views of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and lush forests.

The moderate loop trail takes you through some of the park’s most scenic areas, with fall colors adding a beautiful touch to the landscape.

The iconic Deception Pass Bridge highlights the park with views of the swirling waters below. It’s no wonder this is the state’s most popular state park!
READ MORE: Deception Pass State Park

Tips for Fall Hiking in Washington

• Layer Up: Fall weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers to stay comfortable in varying temperatures.
• Waterproof: Trails can be wet and muddy. Wear waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry, and maybe consider a dry bag.
• Check the Weather: Fall weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and be prepared for rain or even early snow.
• Daylight Hours: Days are shorter in the fall. Start your hikes early to avoid being caught out after dark.
• Leave No Trace: Fall leaves may cover trails. Stay on marked paths and carry out all trash.

READ MORE: 25 BEST Hikes in Washington